System and method of interacting with home automation systems via a set-top box device

ABSTRACT

The subject disclosure describes among other things receiving user input that includes a device configuration for a device in a home automation system, where the device configuration specifies a triggering event and a response to the triggering event. The subject disclosure also describes transmitting the device configuration to the device, receiving data from the device, where the data indicates that the triggering event has been detected by the device, presenting an alert indicating that the triggering event has been detected by device, where the alert includes selectable options for responding to the alert, identifying the device detecting the triggering event, and altering an operation of the device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/059,726 filed Mar. 31, 2008 which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to interacting with homeautomation systems via a set-top box device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Television viewing is a common activity. A viewer may desire a varietyof devices at a home to provide different functions during a televisionprogram without close viewer proximity to each device. In addition, theviewer may desire to be notified of certain activities in parts of thehome where the viewer is not present.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements illustrated in the Figures have not necessarily been drawn toscale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements areexaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporatingteachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respectto the drawings presented herein, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of asystem to interact with home automation systems via a set-top boxdevice;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a second particular embodiment ofa system to interact with home automation systems via a set-top boxdevice;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of amethod of interacting with home automation systems via a set-top boxdevice;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a second particular embodiment ofa method of interacting with home automation systems via a set-top boxdevice;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a third particular embodiment of amethod of interacting with home automation systems via a set-top boxdevice;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a fourth particular embodiment ofa method of interacting with home automation systems via a set-top boxdevice; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of ageneral computer system.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will bedescribed with particular reference to the presently preferred exemplaryembodiments. However, it should be understood that this class ofembodiments provides only a few examples of the many advantageous usesof the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in thespecification of the present application do not necessarily limit any ofthe various claimed systems, methods or computer-readable media.Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but notto others.

FIG. 1 illustrates a particular embodiment of a system 100 to interactwith home automation systems via a set-top box device. The system 100includes a set-top box device 102 that is coupled to a display device104, such as a television. The set-top box device 102 is adapted tocommunicate with a video content network, such as an Internet ProtocolTelevision (IPTV) access network 110. The set-top box device 102 is alsoadapted to communicate with a plurality of home automation systems 108,such as the home monitoring automation systems HAS 1 . . . n. Examplesof home automation systems 108 can include environmental systems,lighting systems, in-home monitoring systems, security systems,appliance systems, VoIP phone systems, other phone systems, other homeautomation systems, or any combination thereof. In a particularembodiment, the set-top box device 102 is adapted to communicate witheach of the home automation systems 108 via a residential gateway 106 orother home network device.

In a particular embodiment, the set-top box device 102 is adapted toreceive settings associated with one or more of the home automationsystems 108. The settings at least partially relate to triggering eventscorresponding to the home automation system(s) 108. The settings canspecify one or more triggering events, responses to each of thetriggering event(s), whether a user is to be alerted of each of thetriggering event(s), whether the set-top box device is to provide aninterface to receive user input in response to each of the triggeringevent(s), other settings, or any combination thereof.

For example, the set-top box device 102 can be adapted to receivesettings associated with an environmental system indicating that theuser is to be alerted when a particular temperature is detected by anHVAC system inside the user's home; when a certain temperature isdetected outside the user's home; when a hazard is detected, such assmoke, fire, a water leak or a gas leak; when another environmentaltriggering event occurs; or any combination thereof.

In another example, the set-top box device 102 can be adapted to receivesettings associated with a lighting system indicating that one or morelights within the user's home are to be changed when instructed by theset-top box device 102; when the user is detected coming into the home;when the user is away from the home at a certain time of day; when apossible intrusion is detected by a security system; when a doorbellrings; when other lighting triggering events occur; or any combinationthereof.

In a further example, the set-top box device 102 can be adapted toreceive settings associated with an in-home monitoring system indicatingthat the user is to be alerted when a threshold noise level is detectedby the in-home monitoring system (e.g., a noise level associated with ababy crying); when a computing system within the home accesses theInternet; when another in-home monitoring triggering event occurs; orany combination thereof. In an additional example, the set-top boxdevice 102 can be adapted to receive settings associated with a securitysystem indicating that the user is to be alerted when a noise level,noise frequency, other noise characteristic, or any combination thereofis detected (e.g., a window breaking, pool water splashing); when amotion is detected; when an entry to the home or associated property isopened (e.g., a door or a gate); when a doorbell rings; when anothersecurity triggering event occurs; or any combination thereof.

In still another example, the set-top box device 102 can be adapted toreceive settings indicating that one or more responses (e.g., implementa certain lighting scene, silence one or more phones, etc.) are to beimplemented at a start time of a particular television program, such asa video-on-demand movie, or upon selection of a channel, a type oftelevision program, or a combination thereof.

In an illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device 102 can be adaptedto receive settings associated with various home automation systems 108via one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs), applicationprogramming interfaces (APIs), or any combination thereof. For instance,the set-top box device 102 can be adapted to provide one or moreinterfaces at the display device 104 and to receive inputs via theinterfaces from a remote control 116, a keyboard 118, another inputdevice, or any combination thereof.

The set-top box device 102 is adapted to send data indicating usersettings to corresponding home automation systems 108 via theresidential gateway 106. The settings data can include data specifying atriggering event, data indicating that the set-top box device is to benotified of the triggering event, other settings data related to usersettings, or any combination thereof. For instance, the set-top boxdevice 102 can be adapted to send settings data to an environmentalsystem indicating that the detection of a particular temperature is atriggering event. In another example, the set-top box device 102 can beadapted to send data to a security system or in-home monitoring systemindicating that the detection of a threshold noise level is a triggeringevent.

The set-top box device 102 is adapted to detect a triggering event. Inone embodiment, the set-top box device 102 can detect a triggering eventin response to data received from a home automation system 108indicating that the triggering event has occurred. For instance, if anin-home monitoring system detects a threshold noise level that has beenset as a triggering event, the in-home monitoring system is adapted tosend data to the set-top box device 102 indicating that the thresholdnoise level has been detected. In another embodiment, the set-top boxdevice 102 can detect a triggering event that occurs at the set-top boxdevice, such as a user selecting a channel, a television program, a typeof television program, or a combination thereof.

The set-top box device 102 is adapted to access user settings related toa triggering event, when the set-top box device detects the triggeringevent. The set-top box device is adapted to determine based on the usersettings whether it is to alert a user in response to detecting thetriggering event. For instance, if the triggering event is a detectionof a threshold noise level by an in-home monitoring system, the set-topbox device 102 can be adapted to determine that it is to alert the user.Whereas, if the triggering event is the selection of a televisionprogram by the user, the set-top box device 102 can be adapted todetermine that it is not to alert the user. If the set-top box device102 determines that it is to alert the user, the set-top box device 102provides an alert to the user via the display device 104. The alert caninclude video, audio, text, graphics, or any combination thereof. In anillustrative embodiment, the alert can include displaying content from aweb camera or other camera associated with a home automation system viaa picture-in-picture (PIP) display at the display device.

The set-top box device 102 is adapted to determine based on usersettings whether it is to provide an input interface at the displaydevice 104 in response to the triggering event. For example, where thetriggering event includes the detection of a particular indoortemperature, the set-top box device 102 can be adapted to provide agraphical user interface at the display device 104 that includesselectable indicators of one or more options, such as activation ordeactivation of a heater or air conditioner, a desired indoortemperature, other options, or any combination thereof. The set-top boxdevice 102 is adapted to receive user input via the interface.

Additionally, the set-top box device 102 is adapted to determine whetherit is to implement a response to the triggering event based on usersettings, user input, or a combination thereof. In a particularembodiment, a response can include alteration of at least one deviceassociated with at least one home automation system 108. For example, ifthe triggering event is the selection of a particular televisionprogram, the set-top box device 102 can be adapted to determine based onuser settings that the set-top box device 102 is to send datainstructing a lighting system to change one or more lights to achieve alighting scene specified by the user settings. In another example, ifthe set-top box device 102 has received user input specifying a desiredindoor temperature, the set-top box device 102 can be adapted todetermine that it is to send data instructing an environmental system toactivate or deactivate a heater or air conditioner. The set-top boxdevice 102 is adapted to send data to a corresponding home automationsystem instructing the home automation system to implement the responseby altering one or more devices associated with the home automationsystem.

Each home automation system 108 is adapted to receive and store settingsdata from the set-top box device 102. The settings data can include, forexample, one or more triggering events detectable by the home automationsystem 108, an indication that the set-top box device 102 is to benotified of a triggering event, other data, or any combination thereof.The home automation system 108 is adapted to detect a triggering eventand to send data to the set-top box device 102 indicating that thetriggering event has occurred. In one embodiment, the home automationsystem 108 can be adapted to send video content from a web camera orother camera to the set-top box device 102 according to settings data oran instruction received from the set-top box device 102.

Further, each home automation system 108 is adapted to alter a deviceassociated with the home automation system in response to an instructionreceived from the set-top box device 102, e.g., in response to atriggering event at the home automation system, at the set-top boxdevice, at another home automation system, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second particular embodiment of a system 200 todeliver home monitoring and automation system alerts. The system 200includes a set-top box device 202 that is coupled to a display device212. The set-top box device 202 communicates with a plurality of homeautomation systems (HASs) 260-290. The set-top box device 202communicates with a video content network, such as an Internet ProtocolTelevision (IPTV) network 242, via a residential gateway 240, or othercustomer premises equipment device. In a particular embodiment, each ofthe home automation systems 260-290 can communicate with the residentialgateway 240 via a HAS controller system 250. In an illustrative,non-limiting embodiment, the home automation systems can be adapted tonot communicate with the IPTV access network 242 or other networksexternal to the location of the set-top box device 202.

The home automation systems can include an environmental system 260,which may be adapted to communicate with an HVAC system 262, one or morethermometers 264, one or more hazard detection devices 266, otherenvironmental devices, or any combination thereof. The home automationsystems can also include a lighting system 270 that is adapted tocommunicate with one or more lights, switches, dimmers, or anycombination thereof. Further, the home automation systems can include asecurity system 280 that is adapted to communicate with one or moresecurity cameras 282, one or more motion detectors 284, one or moresecurity system control devices 286, or any combination thereof. Inaddition, the home automation systems can include an in-home monitoringsystem, such as a child monitoring system, that communicates with a webcamera 292 or other camera, a microphone 294, a computing device 296,other devices, or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the set-top box device 202 includesprocessing logic 204 and memory 206 accessible to the processing logic204. In addition, the set-top box device 202 can include a networkinterface 208 adapted to facilitate communication between thenotification system 202 and the residential gateway 240. In anillustrative embodiment, the set-top box device 202 can include adisplay interface 210 adapted to facilitate communication between theset-top box device 202 and the display device 212. Further, the set-topbox device 202 can include a remote interface 214 adapted to facilitatecommunication between the set-top box device 202 and a remote controldevice 216.

The memory 206 includes a plurality of modules 222-230. The modules222-230 can include computer instructions that are readable andexecutable by the processing logic 204 to implement various functions ofthe notification system 202 with respect to delivering home monitoringautomation system alerts. For example, the modules 222-230 can representvarious aspects of one or more software applications, operating systems,or other computer programs. In other embodiments, the modules 222-230can be implemented as hardware logic or a combination of hardware logicand computer instructions.

The memory 206 includes a display module 222 that is executable by theprocessing logic 204 to receive video content via the IPTV accessnetwork 242 and to send the video content to the display device 212 viathe display interface 210. The memory 206 also includes an API module224 that is executable by the processing logic 204 to provide one ormore application programming interfaces (APIs) at the display device 212and to receive settings associated with one or more of the homeautomation systems 260-290 via the set-top box device 202. The settingscan specify one or more triggering events, responses to each of thetriggering event(s), whether a user is to be alerted of each of thetriggering event(s), whether the set-top box device is to provide aninterface to receive user input in response to each of the triggeringevent(s), other settings, or any combination thereof.

For example, the API module 224 can be adapted to receive settingsassociated with an environmental system indicating that the user is tobe alerted when a particular temperature is detected by an HVAC systeminside the user's home; when a certain temperature is detected outsidethe user's home; when a hazard is detected; when another environmentaltriggering event occurs; or any combination thereof.

In another example, the API module 224 can be executable by theprocessing logic 204 receive settings associated with a lighting systemindicating that one or more lights within the user's home are to bechanged when instructed by the set-top box device 202; when the user isdetected coming into the home by the security system 280; when the useris away from the home at a certain time of day; when a possibleintrusion is detected by the security system 280; when a doorbell rings;when other lighting triggering events occur; or any combination thereof.

In a further example, the API module 224 can be executable by theprocessing logic 204 to receive settings associated with an in-homemonitoring system indicating that the user is to be alerted when athreshold noise level is detected by the in-home monitoring system(e.g., a noise level associated with a baby crying); when a computingsystem within the home accesses the Internet; when another in-homemonitoring triggering event occurs; or any combination thereof.

In an additional example, the API module 224 can be executable by theprocessing logic 204 to receive settings associated with a securitysystem indicating that the user is to be alerted when a threshold noiselevel is detected (e.g., a window breaking, pool water splashing); whena motion is detected; when an entry to the home or associated propertyis opened (e.g., a door or a gate); when a doorbell rings; when anothersecurity triggering event occurs; or any combination thereof.

In still another example, the API module 224 can be executable by theprocessing logic 204 to receive settings associated with the set-top boxdevice 202 indicating that one or more responses (e.g., implement acertain lighting scene, silence one or more phones, etc.) are to beimplemented at a start time of a particular television program, such asa video-on-demand movie, or upon selection of a channel, a type oftelevision program, or a combination thereof.

The memory 206 includes a data store, to store user settings. Inaddition, the memory 206 includes an HAS module 228 that is executableby the processing logic 204 to send data indicating user settings tocorresponding home automation systems. The settings data can includedata specifying a triggering event, data indicating that the set-top boxdevice is to be notified of the triggering event, other settings datarelated to user settings, or any combination thereof. For instance, theHAS module 228 can be executable by the processing logic 204 to sendsettings data to the environmental system 260 indicating a particularindoor temperature that a user has set a triggering event. In anotherexample, the HAS module 228 can be executable by the processing logic204 to send settings data to the security system 280 or the in-homemonitoring system 290 indicating a threshold noise level that a user hasset as a triggering event.

The memory 206 includes an event module 230 that is executable by theprocessing logic 204 to detect a triggering event. In one embodiment,the event module 230 can be executable by the processing logic 204 todetect a triggering event in response to data received from a homeautomation system indicating that the triggering event has occurred. Forinstance, the environmental system 260 can be adapted to detect anindoor temperature at a thermostat associated with the HVAC system 262at the user's home, where the indoor temperature has been set by a useras a triggering event. The environmental system 260 can be adapted tosend data to the set-top box device 202 via the HAS controller 250indicating that the indoor temperature has been detected. The eventmodule 230 can be executable by the processing logic 204 to detect thata triggering event has occurred, based on the data received from theenvironmental system 260 indicating that the indoor temperature has beendetected.

In another example, the environmental system 260 can be adapted todetect an outdoor temperature (e.g., a freezing temperature) at athermometer at the user's home, where the outdoor temperature has beenset by a user as a triggering event. The environmental system 260 can beadapted to send data to the set-top box device 202 via the HAScontroller 250 indicating that the outdoor temperature has beendetected. The event module 230 can be executable by the processing logic204 to detect that a triggering event has occurred, based on the datareceived from the environmental system 260 indicating that the outdoortemperature has been detected.

In a further example, the environmental system 260 can be adapted todetect a hazard via a hazard detection device 266, such as a smokedetector, fire alarm, gas detector, water leak detector, or other hazarddetection device 266, where the hazard has been set by a user as atriggering event. The environmental system 260 can be adapted to senddata to the set-top box device 202 via the HAS controller 250 indicatingthat the hazard has been detected. The event module 230 can beexecutable by the processing logic 204 to detect that a triggering eventhas occurred, based on the data received from the environmental system260 indicating that the hazard has been detected.

In an additional example, the security system 280 can be adapted todetect a doorbell ringing, a possible intrusion, a user coming into thehome, or another security triggering event, via at least one securitycamera 282, at least one motion detector 284, at least one securitysystem controller 286, other device, or any combination thereof. Thesecurity system 280 can be adapted to send data to the set-top boxdevice 202 via the HAS controller 250 indicating that the securitytriggering event has been detected. The event module 230 can beexecutable by the processing logic 204 to detect that a triggering eventhas occurred, based on the data received from the security system 280indicating that the hazard has been detected.

In another example, the in-home monitoring system 290 can be adapted todetect a baby crying, breaking glass, a computing device connecting tothe Internet, or another in-home triggering event, via at least one webcamera 292, at least one microphone 294, at least one computing device296, another device, or any combination thereof. The in-home monitoringsystem 290 can be adapted to send data to the set-top box device 202 viathe HAS controller 250 indicating that the in-home triggering event hasbeen detected. The event module 230 can be executable by the processinglogic 204 to detect that a triggering event has occurred, based on thedata received from the in-home monitoring system 290 indicating that thehazard has been detected.

In still another example, the set-top box device 202 can be adapted todetect a triggering event that occurs at the set-top box device, such asa user selecting a channel, a television program, a type of televisionprogram, or a combination thereof, set by a user as a triggering event.In other examples, the set-top box device 202 can detect one or moreother triggering events, based on data received from other homeautomation systems indicating that triggering events set by a user haveoccurred.

The event module 230 is executable by the processing logic 204 to accessuser settings corresponding to a detected triggering event. The eventmodule 230 is executable by the processing logic 204 is adapted todetermine based on the user settings whether it is to alert a user inresponse to detecting the triggering event. For instance, if thetriggering event is a detection of a temperature, a hazard, a thresholdnoise level, a security event, an in-home triggering event, the eventmodule 230 can be executable by the processing logic 204 determine thatthe user is to be alerted. On the other hand, if the triggering event isthe selection of a television program by the user, the event module 230can be executable by the processing logic 204 determine that the user isnot to be alerted.

The event module 230 is executable by the processing logic 204 toprovide an alert to the user via the display device 212, when theset-top box device 202 is to alert the user. The alert can includevideo, audio, text, graphics, or any combination thereof. In anillustrative embodiment, the alert can include displaying content from aweb camera or other camera via a picture-in-picture (PIP) display at thedisplay device. For instance, if the triggering event is the detectionof a threshold noise level by the in-home monitoring system 290, the HASmodule 228 can be executable by the processing logic 204 to send acommand to the in-home monitoring system 290 to activate the web camera292 and to send video content from the web camera 292 to the set-top boxdevice 202. The display module 222 can be executable by the processinglogic 204 to send the video content received from the web camera 292 tothe display device 212 for display via a PIP display 215.

In another example, if the triggering event is a doorbell ringing orpossible intrusion, the HAS module 228 can be executable by theprocessing logic 204 to send a command to the security system 280 toactivate the security camera 282 (e.g., a camera with a view of a frontdoor) and to send video content from the security camera 282 to theset-top box device 202. The display module 222 can be executable by theprocessing logic 204 to send the video content received from thesecurity camera 282 to the display device 212 for display via the PIPdisplay 215.

In one embodiment, the event module 230 is executable by the processinglogic 204 to determine based on user settings whether it is to providean input interface in response to the triggering event. In a particularembodiment, a response can include alteration of at least one deviceassociated with at least one home automation system 108. For example,where the triggering event includes the detection of a particular indoortemperature, the event module 230 can be executable by the processinglogic 204 to provide a graphical user interface at the display devicethat includes selectable indicators of one or more options, such asactivation or deactivation of a heater or air conditioner, a desiredindoor temperature, other options, or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the event module 230 is executable by theprocessing logic 204 to determine whether it is to respond to thetriggering event based on settings saved at the set-top box device 202,based on user input received via an interface provided at the displaydevice 212, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the eventmodule 230 can be adapted to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) orother interface in conjunction with an alert. The event module 230 canbe executable by the processing logic 204 to receive input from a uservia the interface, where the interface provides the user with one ormore options to respond to the alert.

A response can include sending data to one or more of the homeautomation systems 260-290. For example, if the set-top box device 202detects a triggering event that includes a user selection of aparticular television program, the set-top box device event module 230can be executable by the processing logic 204 to send data to a lightingsystem to change the level of one or more lights, according to usersettings. In another example, if the triggering event includes detectionof a particular temperature within the home, the event module 230 can beexecutable by the processing logic 204 to alert the user, according touser settings, and to receive user input indicating that an airconditioner or heater is to be activated or deactivated. The eventmodule 230 can be executable by the processing logic 204 to send data tothe HVAC system 260 indicating that the air conditioner or heater is tobe activated or deactivated, according to the user input. In anadditional example, the event module 230 can be executable by theprocessing logic 204 to alert the user of a hazard detected by a hazarddetection device 266 and to receive user input indicating that thehazard detection device 266 (e.g., a smoke detector) is to be silencedor deactivated. The event module 230 can be executable by the processinglogic 204 to send data to the HVAC system 260 indicating that the hazarddetection device 266 is to be silenced or deactivated, according to theuser input.

FIG. 3 illustrates a particular embodiment of a method of deliveringhome monitoring and automation system alerts. At block 300, a set-topbox device receives and stores settings related to at least one of aplurality of home automation systems (HASs). The settings can specifyone or more triggering events, responses to each of the triggeringevent(s), whether a user is to be alerted of each of the triggeringevent(s), whether the set-top box device is to provide an interface toreceive user input in response to each of the triggering event(s), othersettings, or any combination thereof. Moving to block 302, in aparticular embodiment, the set-top box device sends settings data to oneor more home automation systems. For example, the set-top box device cansend data specifying a triggering event, data indicating that theset-top box device is to be notified of the triggering event, othersettings data related to user settings, or any combination thereof.

Proceeding to block 304, the set-top box device detects a triggeringevent. The set-top box device can detect a triggering event in responseto data received from a home automation system indicating that thetriggering event has occurred. The set-top box device can also detect atriggering event that occurs at the set-top box device, such as a userselecting a channel, a television program, a type of television program,or a combination thereof.

Continuing to block 306, the set-top box device accesses user settingscorresponding to the triggering event. Advancing to decision node 308,the set-top box device determines, based on the user settings, whetherit is to alert the user of the triggering event. If the set-top boxdevice is not to alert the user, the method advances to decision node316. Conversely, if the set-top box device determines that it is toalert the user, the method moves to block 310, and the set-top boxdevice provides an alert to the user at a display device coupled to theset-top box device. The alert can include video, audio, text, graphics,or any combination thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, the alert caninclude video shown in a picture-in-picture (PIP) display from a webcamera associated with a home automation system. In another illustrativeembodiment, the alert can include text scrolling at the display device.

Proceeding to decision node 312, the set-top box device determines basedon user settings whether it is to provide an input interface in responseto the triggering event. For example, where the triggering eventincludes the detection of a particular indoor temperature, the set-topbox device can provide a graphical user interface at the display devicethat includes selectable indicators of one or more options, such asactivation or deactivation of a heater or air conditioner, a desiredindoor temperature, other options, or any combination thereof. If theset-top box device determines that it is to provide an input interfacein response to the triggering event, the method continues to block 314.At block 314, the set-top box device provides the input interface at thedisplay device and receives user input via the interface.

Advancing to decision node 316, the set-top box device determineswhether it is to implement a response to the triggering event based onuser settings, user input, or a combination thereof. If the set-top boxdevice determines that it is to implement a response, the method movesto block 318, and the set-top box device implements the responseaccording to user settings, user inputs, or a combination thereof. Forexample, if the triggering event is the selection of a particulartelevision program, the set-top box device can determine based on usersettings that the set-top box device is to send data instructing alighting system to change one or more lights to achieve a lighting scenespecified by the user settings. In another example, if the set-top boxdevice has received user input specifying a desired indoor temperature,the set-top box device can determine that it is to send data instructingan environmental system to activate or deactivate a heater or airconditioner.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second particular embodiment of a method ofdelivering home monitoring and automation system alerts. At block 400, aset-top box device receives and stores settings related to a homeautomation system (HAS) that includes at least one web camera. Thesettings can specify one or more triggering events, responses to each ofthe triggering event(s), whether a user is to be alerted of each of thetriggering event(s), whether the set-top box device is to provide aninterface to receive user input in response to each of the triggeringevent(s), other settings, or any combination thereof.

Moving to block 402, in a particular embodiment, the set-top box devicesends settings data to the home automation system specifying thetriggering event(s), indicating that the set-top box device is to benotified of each of the triggering event(s), other settings data relatedto user settings, or any combination thereof.

Proceeding to block 404, the set-top box device receives data from thehome automation system indicating that a triggering event has occurred.Continuing to block 406, the set-top box device accesses user settingscorresponding to the triggering event. Advancing to block 408, theset-top box device receives video content from a web camera associatedwith the home automation system. In one embodiment, the set-top boxdevice can pull the video from the web camera via the home automationsystem after the set-top box device is notified of the triggering event.In another embodiment, the settings data sent by the set-top box devicecan indicate that the set-top box device is to receive the video contentfrom the web camera after the home automation system detects thetriggering event.

At block 410, the set-top box device automatically provides the videocontent to a picture-in-picture (PIP) display at a display devicecoupled to the set-top box device. In other embodiments, the set-top boxdevice can send an alert containing audio, text, graphics, or acombination thereof, to the display device and can provide the videocontent to the PIP display in response to a user command. Moving todecision node 412, the set-top box device determines whether it hasreceived a command to end the PIP display. If the set-top box device hasreceived such a command, the method terminates at 414.

FIG. 5 shows a third particular embodiment of a method of interactingwith home automation systems via a set-top box device. At block 500, ahome automation system (HAS) receives and stores settings data from aset-top box device. The settings data can be received via a residentialgateway, home automation system controller, other device, or anycombination thereof. The settings data can include, for example, one ormore triggering events detectable by the home automation system, anindication that the set-top box device is to be notified of a triggeringevent, other data, or any combination thereof.

Moving to block 502, the home automation system determines whether ithas detected a triggering event. If the home automation system has notdetected a triggering event, the method proceeds to decision node 506.On the other hand, if the home automation system has detected atriggering event, the method continues to block 504, and the homeautomation system sends data to the set-top box device indicating thatthe triggering event has occurred.

Advancing to decision node 506, the home automation system determineswhether it has received an instruction from the set-top box device toalter a device, e.g., in response to a triggering event at the homeautomation system, at the set-top box device, at another home automationsystem, or any combination thereof. If the home automation system hasnot received such an instruction, the method terminates at 514. Whereas,if the home automation system has received an instruction from theset-top box device, the method moves to block 508, and the homeautomation alters the device according to the set-top box deviceinstruction. Altering a device can include, for instance, activating ordeactivating a heater or air conditioner or changing one or more lights.

Proceeding to decision node 510, the home automation system determineswhether it has received new settings data from the set-top box device.If the home automation system receives new settings data, the methodcontinues to block 512, and the home automation system updates settingsdata stored at the home automation system. The method terminates at 514.

FIG. 6 shows a fourth method of interacting with home automation systemsvia a set-top box device. At block 600, a home automation system thatincludes a web camera receives settings data from a set-top box device.The settings data can include, for example, one or more triggeringevents detectable by the home automation system, an indication that theset-top box device is to be notified of a triggering event, other data,or any combination thereof. For example, an in-home monitoring systemcan receive settings data from the set-top box device indicating thatdetection of a noise level, frequency, other noise characteristic, orany combination thereof, corresponding to an infant crying is atriggering event, an indication that the set-top box device is to benotified when the triggering event occurs, and an indication that videofrom a web camera in the infant's room or other location is to be sentto the set-top box device when the triggering event occurs.

Moving to block 602, the home automation system detects a triggeringevent. For example, the in-home automation system can detect the noisecharacteristic(s) indicated by settings data received from the set-topbox device. Proceeding to block 604, the home automation system sendsdata to the set-top box device indicating that the triggering event hasoccurred. Continuing to block 606, the home automation system sendsvideo content from the web camera to the set-top box device. Advancingto decision node 608, the home automation system determines whether ithas received an instruction from the set-top box device to stop sendingvideo. If the home automation system receives such an instruction, themethod terminates at 610.

In some embodiments, the methods described in FIGS. 3-6 can be performedas described. In other embodiments, some aspects of the methods can beperformed in alternative sequences or simultaneously.

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative embodiment of a general computer 700including a set of instructions that can be executed to cause thecomputer system to perform any one or more of the methods or computerbased functions disclosed herein. The computer system 700 may operate asa standalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network, to othercomputer systems or peripheral devices. In an illustrative embodiment,such standalone and peripheral devices can include, for example, set-topbox devices, home automation system elements, residential gatewaydevices, televisions, other display devices, or any combination thereof,as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2.

In a networked deployment, the computer system may operate in thecapacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-clientuser network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer(or distributed) network environment. The computer system 700 can alsobe implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wirelesstelephone, a land-line telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner,a facsimile machine, a printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, aweb appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machinecapable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise)that specify actions to be taken by that machine. In a particularembodiment, the computer system 700 can be implemented using electronicdevices that provide voice, video or data communication. Further, whilea single computer system 700 is illustrated, the term “system” shallalso be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems thatindividually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructionsto perform one or more computer functions.

The computer system 700 may include a processor 702, e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both.Moreover, the computer system 700 can include a main memory 704 and astatic memory 706 that can communicate with each other via a bus 708. Asshown, the computer system 700 may further include a video display unit710, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emittingdiode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, or a cathoderay tube (CRT). Additionally, the computer system 700 may include aninput device 712, such as a keyboard, and a cursor control device 714,such as a mouse. The computer system 700 can also include a disk driveunit 716, a signal generation device 718, such as a speaker or remotecontrol, and a network interface device 720.

In a particular embodiment as depicted in FIG. 7, the disk drive unit716 may include a computer-readable medium 722 in which one or more setsof instructions 724, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, theinstructions 724 may embody one or more of the methods or logic asdescribed herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions 724 mayreside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory 704,the static memory 706, and/or within the processor 702 during executionby the computer system 700. The main memory 704 and the processor 702also may include computer-readable media. The network interface device720 can provide connectivity to a network 726, e.g., a wide area network(WAN), a local area network (LAN), or other network.

In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, suchas application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arraysand other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or moreof the methods described herein. Applications that may include theapparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include avariety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodimentsdescribed herein may implement functions using two or more specificinterconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and datasignals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or asportions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, thepresent system encompasses software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein may be implemented by software programsexecutable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limitedembodiment, implementations can include distributed processing,component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing.Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed toimplement one or more of the methods or functionality as describedherein.

The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium thatincludes instructions 724 or receives and executes instructions 724responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to anetwork 726 can communicate voice, video or data over the network 726.Further, the instructions 724 may be transmitted or received over thenetwork 726 via the network interface device 720.

While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, theterm “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiplemedia, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associatedcaches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capableof storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution bya processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or moreof the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, thecomputer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as amemory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatileread-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be arandom access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally,the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or opticalmedium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capturecarrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmissionmedium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives may be considered a distributionmedium that is equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of acomputer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalentsand successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsthat may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference toparticular standards and protocols, the invention is not limited to suchstandards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and otherpacket switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP)represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards areperiodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents havingessentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards andprotocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed hereinare considered equivalents thereof.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may notbe drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may beexaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, thedisclosure and the Figures are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R..sctn.1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will notbe used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Inaddition, in the foregoing Detailed Description of the Drawings, variousfeatures may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment forthe purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to beinterpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodimentsrequire more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may bedirected to less than all of the features of any of the disclosedembodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into theDetailed Description of the Drawings, with each claim standing on itsown as defining separately claimed subject matter.

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the present disclosed subject matter. Thus, tothe maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosedsubject matter is to be determined by the broadest permissibleinterpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shallnot be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A set-top box, comprising: a memory to storeinstructions; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein responsiveto executing the instructions, the processor performs operationscomprising: presenting a graphical user interface; receiving by way ofthe graphical user interface a user setting for each device of aplurality of devices in a home automation system that monitorsenvironmental events, wherein the user setting specifies a triggeringevent and a response to the triggering event; transmitting the usersetting of each device to the home automation system; receiving datafrom the home automation system, wherein the data received indicatesthat the triggering event has been detected by a device of the pluralityof devices, wherein the plurality of devices in the home automationsystem comprises a hazard detector, a thermometer, a heating system, anair-conditioning system, a monitoring system including a web camera, asecurity system, or any combination thereof, and wherein theenvironmental events comprise a detection of a hazard, a detection of atemperature, detection of sound, detection of a security breach, or anycombination thereof; presenting an alert indicating that the triggeringevent has been detected by the device of the plurality of devices,wherein the alert comprises another graphical user interface withselectable items for responding to the alert, and for receiving userinput to control processing of the triggering event; identifying thedevice detecting the triggering event; and sending, without user input,output data to the home automation system, wherein the output datacomprises an instruction to alter an operation of the device identifiedas detecting the triggering event.
 2. The set-top box of claim 1,wherein the operations further comprise responding to the alertaccording to a detected selection of the selectable items.
 3. Theset-top box of claim 1, wherein the operations further compriseaccessing the user setting before presenting the alert.
 4. The set-topbox of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise receiving theuser input to control processing of the triggering event.
 5. The set-topbox of claim 1, wherein the alert is presented at a display coupled tothe set-top box.
 6. A method, comprising: presenting, by a set-top boxdevice comprising a processor, a graphical user interface for receivinguser-initiated responses; detecting, by the set-top box device,user-initiated responses, wherein the user-initiated responses compriseuser settings for each device of a plurality of devices in a homeautomation system, wherein the plurality of devices comprise a hazarddetector, a thermometer, an environment control system, a securitysystem, or a combination thereof, and wherein the user settings specifya triggering event and response to the triggering event; transmitting,by the set-top box device, the user settings to each device of theplurality of devices to store the user settings in each device;receiving, by the set-top box device, data from a device of theplurality of devices, wherein the data indicates that the device hasdetected the triggering event based on the user settings assignedprovided to the device; presenting, by the set-top box device, an alertindicating that the triggering event has been detected by the device,wherein the alert comprises selectable options for responding to thetriggering event, and for receiving user input to control the triggeringevent; and altering, by the set-top box device, an operation of thedevice detecting the triggering event.
 7. The method of claim 6, furthercomprising receiving user input via the selectable options.
 8. Themethod of claim 6, further comprising receiving video content from thedevice detecting the triggering event.
 9. The method of claim 8, whereinpresenting the alert comprises presenting the video content.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the video content is presented in apicture-in-picture format.
 11. The method of claim 6, further comprisingsilencing an audible alert generated by the device detecting thetriggering event.
 12. The method of claim 6, further comprising sendingto the device detecting the triggering event instructions to send videocontent to the set-top box device.
 13. A computer-readable storagedevice, comprising instructions, which when executed by a set-top box,causes the set-top box to perform operations comprising: presenting, bythe set-top box, a graphical user interface for configuring a device;receiving, by the set-top box, user input by way of the graphical userinterface, wherein the user input comprises a device configuration for adevice in a home automation system, wherein the device configurationspecifies a triggering event and a response to the triggering event, andwherein the device is one of a plurality of devices in the homeautomation system comprising a hazard detector, an environment controlsystem, a security system, or any combination thereof; transmitting, bythe set-top box, the device configuration to the device; receiving, bythe set-top box, data from the device, wherein the data receivedindicates that the triggering event has been detected by the device;presenting, by the set-top box, an alert indicating that the triggeringevent has been detected by device, wherein the alert comprises anothergraphical user interface with selectable options for responding to thealert; identifying, by the set-top box, the device detecting thetriggering event; and sending, by the set-top box, output data to alteran operation of the device.
 14. The computer-readable storage device ofclaim 13, wherein the alert comprises video content.
 15. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 13, wherein the alertcomprises an audible alert.
 16. The computer-readable storage device ofclaim 13, wherein the operations further comprise receiving videocontent from the device.
 17. The computer-readable storage device ofclaim 16, wherein the operations further comprise presenting the videocontent.
 18. The computer-readable storage device of claim 17, whereinthe video content is presented in a picture-in-picture format.
 19. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 13, wherein the operationsfurther comprise receiving user input via the selectable options. 20.The computer-readable storage device of claim 19, wherein the operationsfurther comprise disabling an audible alert generated by the deviceresponsive to the user input.